Tongan rugby league fans have been given a cautious boost after Eli Katoa returned to light training with the Melbourne Storm, just two months after suffering a serious head injury while representing Tonga during last year’s Pacific Championships.
Katoa was badly injured during Tonga’s clash with New Zealand at the Pacific Championships, after taking three heavy knocks to the head across the warm-up and match.
He was eventually removed from the field and later required emergency surgery.
In the immediate aftermath, the Storm ruled the powerful forward out of the entire 2026 NRL season on medical grounds, stressing that his long-term health was the club’s overriding concern.
“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said in a statement issued in November.
“It is great to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists. He is improving each day and looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.
“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to training this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season. He has a long road ahead in his recovery and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering any form of return to training.”
Despite that prognosis, Storm supporters and the wider Tongan rugby league community were encouraged this week after the club shared videos on social media showing Katoa participating in light handling drills at training.
The club has emphasised that the activity forms part of his rehabilitation programme only and does not signal a return to full training or match play. Katoa is still expected to sit out the 2026 campaign as he continues his recovery under specialist supervision.
For Tonga, Katoa’s progress is being closely watched. The back-rower has become a key figure in the national side’s resurgence in recent years, and his safe return to full health remains the priority for both club and country.
While a comeback timeline remains uncertain, Katoa’s presence back on the training paddock—however limited—marks a significant milestone in his recovery journey and offers hope to Tongan fans following months of concern.
